Historic Downtown Montevideo
The story goes that Montevideo came from an approximation of Mont, being a view from atop a hill, and video, a sight, or a sight from atop a hill. Located in a glacial valley created millennia ago, Montevideo has a rich and colorful history, from that of the Indigenous Peoples, to the first European settlers. The historic downtown is well-preserved with many sites keeping their outer facades intact. Montevideo is quintessentially American, it’s a melting pot of ethnic groups who have come together to create the distinctly American vision of the city. Our sister city is Montevideo, Uruguay, and at no other time is this more apparent than during the annual celebration, Fiesta Days, held each year in early June. You’ll find a strong Latino presence in the area, as evident by two Mexican restaurants, and Latin General store, and a number of other Latin-themed businesses. At the same time, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear someone yell ‘Lefse’ when discussing dinner plans. The area is know for having a strong Norwegian influence from the earliest settlers of European descent.
Join us in Montevideo as we celebrate what makes America so great, keeping the history of our individuals while coming together as one people.
Sites of interest in the area include:
- Chippewa Historic Village
- Camp Release Monument
- Minnesota River Rapids
- Milwaukee Road Heritage Center
- Hollywood Theater on Main
Historic Swenson Farm in Montevideo
Call or stop in at the Chamber to get information about all the different historical places in the area. Another resource to check is our Chippewa Historical Society.